NASA: Global Temperature Declines In 2017 From 2016, Second Warmest Year Since 1880 Only Behind 2016

Global surface temperatures on earth decreased in 2017 from 2016, despite being the second warmest year since 1880, according to newly released NASA data for 2017 on Thursday.

NASA says the long-term warming trend continues as global average temperatures in 2017 were 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit (0.90 degrees Celsius) warmer than the 1951 to 1980 mean, which ranks second since 1880.

NOTE:1880 was the year when modern record keeping began for global surface temperatures.

“Because weather station locations and measurement practices change over time, there are uncertainties in the interpretation of specific year-to-year global mean temperature differences,” according to NASA in a released statement.

“Taking this into account, NASA estimates that 2017’s global mean change is accurate to within 0.1 degree Fahrenheit, with a 95 percent certainty level.”

The planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit (a little more than 1 degree Celsius) during the last century, according to NASA.

NOAA scientists also conducted their own independent analysis for 2017 and claims last year was the third-warmest year in their record.

“The minor difference in rankings is due to the different methods used by the two agencies to analyze global temperatures, although over the long-term the agencies’ records remain in strong agreement,” said NOAA in a news release.

“Both analyses show that the five warmest years on record all have taken place since 2010.”